Chapter 13 – The Reckoning
BANG!
The gunshot echoed through the warehouse.
Evelyn's breath caught as she saw the muzzle flash—Reddington had fired.
Adrian moved before she could react.
He twisted his body at the last second, the bullet grazing his shoulder instead of hitting his chest.
But he didn't stop.
Didn't flinch.
Because Jonas Reddington was standing right in front of him.
And this was the moment Adrian had been waiting for.
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The Final Fight
Adrian lunged.
✔ He knocked the gun aside, twisting Reddington's wrist with a sickening crack.
✔ Reddington grunted, but he was tough—he countered, slamming a fist into Adrian's ribs.
✔ Adrian staggered, but he had fought worse. He caught Reddington's next attack, twisting his arm into a brutal lock.
Reddington roared in pain, then slammed his head forward—Adrian barely dodged.
They broke apart, circling each other.
Adrian was injured. His shoulder burned from the bullet wound, and exhaustion tugged at his muscles.
But he wasn't backing down.
Reddington smirked. "Still the stubborn bastard, huh?"
Adrian wiped blood from his lip. "Still the same piece of shit."
Reddington chuckled. "You should've stayed gone, Hale."
Adrian's eyes darkened.
"For seven years, I had no choice."
And then—he attacked again.
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Evelyn's Moment
Evelyn watched the fight, her heart pounding.
She wanted to help.
But she knew this was Adrian's fight.
Still—she wasn't useless.
Her eyes darted around the room.
The other guards were recovering from the explosion. Some were moving, trying to get back into the fight.
They had seconds before more men stormed in.
Her gaze landed on Reddington's fallen gun.
Her pulse spiked.
Without thinking, she rushed for it.
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The Final Blow
Reddington swung wildly, his movements growing desperate.
Adrian dodged, countering with a sharp elbow to the ribs.
✔ Reddington stumbled. Adrian took his chance—a brutal punch to the jaw.
✔ The warlord crashed to the ground, dazed.
Adrian loomed over him, chest rising and falling.
Reddington coughed, blood dripping from his mouth.
"You think… killing me will change anything?" he rasped.
Adrian's hands curled into fists.
"Not killing you," he murmured.
And then—
Evelyn tossed the gun to him.
Adrian caught it.
Reddington's smirk faltered.
And Adrian—without hesitation—pulled the trigger.
BANG.
The bullet hit its mark.
Reddington's body went still.
It was over.
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The Aftermath
Silence filled the warehouse.
Evelyn's chest rose and fell too fast.
Adrian stood over Reddington's lifeless body, his breathing uneven.
For seven years, this man had haunted him.
Had stolen his life.
And now?
It was done.
Adrian slowly turned to Evelyn.
She was staring at him, eyes wide, unreadable.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then—she stepped forward.
And without a word, she wrapped her arms around him.
Adrian stiffened.
Then, slowly—he melted into her.
For the first time in years, he felt like he was finally free.
And he had Evelyn in his arms again.
Nothing else mattered.
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